Grilled meats may get all the attention at a cookout, but let’s be honest: it’s the side dishes that really show off.
And nothing turns heads like a salad that’s actually worth talking about.
We’re not talking sad lettuce with bottled dressing.
These are the kind of salads that hold their own among the meat.
So if you’re tired of playing it safe with the same old lettuce salad, keep reading.
These 19 salads don’t sit quietly on the sidelines. They steal the whole dang show.
10-Minute Brazilian Vinaigrette Salad
Image Credit: The Passport Kitchen.
This tasty Brazilian vinaigrette salad (called vinagrete brasileira in Portuguese) is often served at Brazilian BBQs. This Brazilian ‘salsa’ will add some freshness, acidity, and a bit of spice to your summer cookout.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Brazilian Vinaigrette Salad
Layered Cornbread Salad
Photo Credit: Savvy Mama Lifestyle.
This is a layered cornbread salad that makes a great side dish for summer parties and potlucks. This flavorful salad features layers of corn, cornbread, cheese, and salsa, creating a zesty dish that everyone will want the recipe for.
Get the Recipe: Layered Cornbread Salad
Mediterranean Salad With Roasted Potatoes
Image Credit: Chef’s Pencil.
You’ll enjoy this unique twist on roasted potatoes. They are air-fried (or baked in the oven) and combined with Mediterranean classics such as feta cheese, olive oil, Kalamata olives, and fresh dill. This salad offers a refreshing blend of textures and vibrant, herbaceous flavors.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salad With Roasted Potatoes
Roasted Potato and Lentil Salad
Image Credit: Joyful Eating.
This potato and lentil salad is a satisfying, zesty dish that is delicious as both a side dish and a fulfilling meal. Try it topped with grilled halloumi, a dollop of yogurt mint sauce, or a drizzle of tahini dressing.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potato and Lentil Salad
Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Image Credit: Healing Tomato.
This easy, spicy cucumber salad with harissa-marinated feta and bold flavors is an unforgettable taste experience. It’s the perfect side dish for a BBQ and cookout.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Jerusalem Salad Recipe (Simple Israeli Salad)
Image Credit: Seasons in the Kitchen.
This cucumber, tomato, and onion salad is the perfect complement to any meal, offering a taste of the Mediterranean with every bite. It’s perfect for a healthy, quick, and flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Salad Recipe (Simple Israeli Salad)
Sweet Heat Watermelon Crunch Salad
Image Credit: Tasty Cue.
This Sweet Heat Watermelon Crunch Salad is the refreshing, crunchy, slightly tangy side dish you didn’t know you were missing this summer. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your backyard BBQ feel extra fancy, even if you’re throwing something together.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Heat Watermelon Crunch Salad
Cowboy Pasta Salad
Image Credit: Cooking with Carlee.
This Cowboy pasta salad has a lot of veggies and black beans in a creamy BBQ dressing. It’s a great summer side dish, but also works as a main dish if you’re looking for something cool and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Pasta Salad
Corn and Avocado Salad
Image Credit: Simply Scratch Made.
This grilled Corn and Avocado Salad is the perfect use for your summer corn! It’s loaded with the smoky flavor of charred corn and tossed with peppers, tomatoes, lime juice, and creamy avocado.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Avocado Salad
Panzanella Toscana (Italian Bread Salad)
Image Credit: The Scatty Mum.
This Panzanella Toscana Italian Bread Salad combines fresh tomatoes, stale bread, and basil to create a delicious salad. Dairy- and egg-free, this salad can also be easily adapted to be gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Toscana (Italian Bread Salad)
Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad
Image Credit: Happy Honey Kitchen.
This easy jalapeno popper potato salad is creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy. With roasted potatoes, pickled jalapeno peppers, bacon, and cheese tossed in a flavorful dressing, it’s a perfect twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Potato Salad
Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Image Credit: The Oregon Dietitian.
Add a brightly colored pile of juicy, savory-sweet goodness to your plate with this simple Cucumber Strawberry Salad recipe! With just seven simple ingredients and 10 minutes of active prep, you’ll have a stunning summer side dish that’s perfect for pairing with all your BBQ favorites.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Cucumber and Apple Salad
Image Credit: Nuts and Twigs.
This Cucumber and Apple Salad is Crisp, light, and refreshing. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Juicy apples and crunchy cucumbers combine with a light, zesty dressing to create a simple yet vibrant dish in just about 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Apple Salad
Cilantro-Lime Corn Salad Recipe
Image Credit: Chef Denise.
This delicious cilantro-lime corn salad recipe is the perfect Mexican side dish for enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, mulitas, carne asada, and more.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro-Lime Corn Salad Recipe
Mediterranean Honey Halloumi Salad
Image Credit: Cooking Gorgeous.
If you enjoy fresh, vibrant salads with a mix of sweet and savory flavors, this Mediterranean Honey Halloumi Salad is the answer. It’s made with pan-seared halloumi cheese, juicy peach, crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and arugula, all tossed together with a sweet-sour dressing made from honey, lemon, and pomegranate molasses.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Honey Halloumi Salad
Charred Corn Salad With Feta and Dill
Image Credit: Hey Snickerdoodle.
This Charred Corn Salad with Feta and Dill is the perfect summer side dish, full of flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for making ahead. It’s creamy, a little smoky, and has just the right amount of zip from fresh lime and dill.
Get the Recipe: Charred Corn Salad With Feta and Dill
Chili Lime Quinoa Salad With Kale & Roasted Chickpeas
Image Credit: Beet of the Wild.
This crowd-pleasing Quinoa Salad with massaged kale, roasted Chickpeas, and a homemade Chili Lime Dressing is the perfect make-ahead meal or potluck side!
Get the Recipe: Chili Lime Quinoa Salad With Kale & Roasted Chickpeas
Frog Eye Salad
Image Credit: Baking Beauty.
This cool and creamy frog eye salad is the perfect make-ahead side dish. It is always quick to disappear at BBQs and potlucks! It’s a perfect BBQ dessert salad.
Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Salad
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